Exploration of the media as a catalyst for conflict resolution : lived experiences of selected private electronic media entities in Zambia.
Date
2022
Authors
Shawa, Lucy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the media as a catalyst for conflict resolution with a reflection on lived experiences of selected private electronic media entities in Zambia. This research study was guided by the functional and dysfunctional theory of communication by Michael Wright (1974) which is very useful for any attempt to construct a new framework for analysis of media and conflict resolution. The sample size comprised twenty-two (22) participants, purposively selected using non probability sampling method. The breakdown of the sample size of 22 respondents consisted: 4 Chief News Editors, 1 ZICTA Representative, 2 IBA, MISA Representatives, 3 Members of the Public and 12 Journalists from 4 media entities in Zambia. This study adopted a qualitative
method and specifically, the hermeneutical phenomenology which leads to the description and interpretation of the essence of lived experiences, recognizes the meaning and importance in pedagogy, psychology and sociology according to the experience collected. Thematic analysis with verbatims was used, where data analysis starts with the categorization of themes from the semi-structured interviews. The study found, to a greater extent, that media entities engaged in some perceived bad media and poor editorial practices, infamous for jeopardizing and eroding societal peace and harmony. Some bad media practices identified included political propaganda, falsehoods, prejudices, discrimination and biased media editorial policies. Other findings were that Zambia’s laws and
regulations on the media have been making strides towards media self-regulation under the free access to information bill. In order for the media to take its role in conflict resolution and peace building, It was found that major media houses in Zambia have been endeavouring to tailor their editorial policies in line with the media’s posit role to educate, inform, promoting dialogue and create a platform for meaningful debate on issues that better public perceptions and interest
towards peace and conflict resolution. The research later concludes its findings with an assertion that: in the right hands, the media is a panacea to peace and conflict resolution and in wrong hands it is a menace to lasting peace and conflict resolution. The researcher proposed three (3) recommendations that would help the media as a catalyst for conflict resolution in Zambia.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution.